Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PLAY, v.t.

1. To put in action or motion; as, to play cannon or a fire-engine.
2. To use an instrument of music; as, to play the flute or the organ. [Elliptical.] – Gay.
3. To act a sportive part or character. Nature here / Wanton'd as in her prime, and play'd at will / Her virgin fancies. – Milton.
4. To act or perform by representing a character; as, to play a comedy; to play the part of king Lear.
5. To act; to perform; as, to play our parts well on the stage of life.
6. To perform in contest for amusement or for a prize; as, to play a game at whist. To play off, to display; to show; to put in exercise; as, to play off tricks. To play on or upon, to deceive; to mock or to trifle with. #2. To give a fanciful turn to.